RFQ vs RFT

RFQ (Request for Quotation) and RFT (Request for Tender) are both competitive solicitations, but they sit at different weights: an RFQ is a lighter, price-focused request used for defined, lower-value purchases, while an RFT is a formal tender call — most typically for construction supplies and services — where specifications are fully drawn and price decides the award.

What each term means

The City of Toronto, which issues both solicitation types, defines a Request for Quotation as a solicitation focused on gathering information on price and quality level per item, payment terms, contract length and similar commercial details. Its Request for Tender is defined as a solicitation focused on requesting bids for the purchase of construction supplies and/or services, issued with or without blueprint drawings. Other Ontario municipalities draw the same line: the City of London's procurement policy defines an RFT as a request to suppliers to submit a bid for specific deliverables, used where requirements are clearly defined and price is the primary factor, and towns such as Bracebridge use RFQ and RFT as distinct instruments within one procurement policy. Both terms are also embedded in Ontario statute: section 1(4) of the Construction Act treats both a "request for qualifications" and a "request for quotation" as acts that commence a procurement process for lien purposes.

The practical differences

Scope of the ask: an RFQ asks for prices and commercial terms against a fairly complete description of what is wanted; an RFT asks for a formal bid on fully specified work or supply, often with drawings attached. What drives award: an RFT is typically price-driven — lowest compliant bid wins under the tender rules; an RFQ is judged on the quoted package of price, quality and terms. Formality: RFTs run under stricter bid-compliance rules (deadlines, irrevocable offers, formal opening), because a tender creates enforceable obligations on both sides; RFQs are administratively lighter and usually reserved for lower-value purchases, with policies setting dollar thresholds for when a full tender is required.

Common questions

Is an RFQ the same as an RFP?

No — and the distinction matters for how you write your response. An RFP invites proposed solutions and delivery methods to a stated need, and is usually scored on more than price. An RFQ quotes defined items. See RFQ vs. RFP for the full comparison.

Does RFQ ever mean "request for qualifications"?

It can — usage varies by jurisdiction and even by department, and Ontario's Construction Act names both meanings. Always read the solicitation document's own definitions section rather than assuming from the abbreviation; what governs is how the buyer defines the solicitation, not the acronym.

Related definitions

RFQ vs. RFP · ITT vs. RFT · Proposal vs. tender